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Acai. The #1 “superfruit” in the world. Loaded with powerful antioxidants, healthy fatty acids, dietary fiber and more. Bolstered with Pomegranate… adding to this powerhouse formula of health benefits for you

VIVA! ACAI™ INGREDIENTS

Vitamin B12 – Recommended Dietary Intake

The recommendations for Vitamin B12 have been established in many U.S. government studies. However, newer research is calling for greater amounts of Vitamin B12 (see below) and since Vitamin B12 is not toxic, it seems prudent to view the newer findings.

Age (years)

Males/Females

Pregnant

Lactating

ug/day

ug/day

ug/day

1-3

0.9

N/A

N/A

4-8

1.2

N/A

N/A

9-13

1.8

N/A

N/A

14-18

2.4

2.6

2.8

19 +

2.4

2.6

2.8

No RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) has been established for infants. For that reason, an Adequate Intake (AI) has been set as follows:

Age (months) Males/Females*Ug/day

0-6 months0.4
7-12 months0.5

* These AI values were based on Vitamin B12 derived from breast feeding.

NEWER RESEARCH SUGGESTS RAISING THE RDA OF Vitamin B12

Research published in the January 2006 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is calling for the RDA of Vitamin B12 to be more than doubled. Other authoritative publications are calling for even greater increases.

Research conducted in the Netherlands concluded that to normalize B12 levels, 500 mcgs. per day would be necessary. They also reported that greater health benefits were derived with doses of up to 1,000 mcgs. [Archives Internal Medicine 165: 1167-72, 2005.]

Finally, a Canadian study concluded that even though patients had blood serum levels of what was thought to be normal, when higher-doses of Vitamin B12 supplements were administered they reported that their memory and energy levels improved. [Canadian Family Physician 43: 917-22, 1997.]

THE SUGGESTION THAT RDA BE RAISED

These findings seem to lend support to the suggestion that the RDA should be set at higher levels. At a minimum, it raises questions as to the validity of the very early studies.

The U.S. government in making its findings of RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) did not find a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Vitamin B12. UL is defined as “the maximum daily intake that is likely to result in adverse health effects. (The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies)

They stated in their findings that “no adverse effects have been associated with excess Vitamin B12 intake from food and supplements in healthy individuals.” Further, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that adults older than fifty (50) years of age obtain most of their Vitamin B12 from vitamin supplements or fortified food because of the high incidence of impaired absorption in this age group of Vitamin B12 from foods that come from animals.

It was based on these findings that Viva! Acai™ was formulated using 1,000 mcg of Vitamin B12.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

As of this writing, there is insufficient reliable information about the safety of consuming greater amounts of Vitamin B12 during pregnancy. The RDA for Vitamin B12 in pregnant women is 2.6 mcg per day and 2.8 mcg during lactation periods.

WHO NEEDS VITAMIN B12?

Young Adults

There is a correlation between aging and Vitamin B12 deficiency (see below). However, there is also evidence suggesting that young adults may be suffering a Vitamin B12 deficiency. In a study of three age groups (26-49 years, 50- years, and 65 years and older) with Vitamin B12 deficiencies, results were similar in all age groups. Here however, the deficiencies in younger adults was not as apparent.

This study also found that those who were not taking Vitamin B12 supplements were twice as likely to be deficient.

Do healthy young adults need a Vitamin B12 supplement?

While it is generally acknowledged that older adults should be taking Vitamin B12 supplements, recent studies have found that younger adults can benefit from supplementation as well.

THE AGE FACTOR

Hydrochloric acid assists in releasing Vitamin B12 from the protein found in food. This must happen before Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12, and is absorbed into your intestines.

An estimated thirty percent (30%) of adults over the age of fifty (50) may have atrophic gastritis (an inflammation of the stomach which decreases gastrict juices including hydrochloric acid) and this diminishes their body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12 from food they eat. They are however, able to absorb Vitamin B12 in supplement form. In addition, a decrease of hydrochloric acid results in the growth of normal bacteria in your small intestines. That bacteria may also steal the B12 by further reducing what your body receives.

OTHERS WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM VITAMIN B12

* Individuals suffering from pernicious anemia

* Those with gastrointestinal disorders

* Medications you take may reduce the availability of B12 in your body

Certainly, these symptoms can occur given the presence of other medical conditions but studies have confirmed that a Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with them. If you experience such symptoms, clearly a physician should make an evaluation.

Other issues with Vitamin B12 deficiency

Those who suffer from pernicious anemia or a gastrointestinal disorder may benefit from using Vitamin B12 supplements, and as noted in another study used as a guideline for physicians, those older than 51 can benefit from B12 supplementation. Finally, vegetarians are prime candidates for using Vitamin B12.

Individuals with pernicious anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when there is insufficient hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen to cells and tissues. Common signs and symptoms of anemia include fatigue and weakness. Anemia can result from a variety of medical problems, including deficiencies of Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, folate and iron. Pernicious anemia is the name given more than a century ago to describe the then-fatal Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia that results from severe gastric atrophy, a condition that prevents gastric cells from secreting intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a substance normally present in the stomach. Vitamin B12 must bind with intrinsic factor before it can be absorbed and used by your body. An absence of intrinsic factor prevents normal absorption of Vitamin B12 and results in pernicious anemia.

Most individuals with pernicious anemia need parenteral (deep subcutaneous) injections of Vitamin B12 as initial therapy to replenish depleted body stores of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 body stores can then be managed by a daily oral supplement of Vitamin B12. A physician will manage the treatment required to maintain the Vitamin B12 status of individuals with pernicious anemia.

Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders

Individuals with stomach and small intestine disorders may be unable to absorb enough Vitamin B12 from food to maintain healthy body stores. Intestinal disorders that may result in malabsorption of Vitamin B12 include:

Sprue, often referred to as celiac disease (CD), is a genetic disorder. People with CD are intolerant to a protein called gluten. In CD, gluten can trigger damage to the small intestines, where most nutrient absorption occurs. People with CD often experience nutrient malabsorption. They must follow a gluten-free diet to avoid malabsorption and other symptoms of CD.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the small intestines. People with Crohn's disease often experience diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption.

Surgical procedures in the gastrointestinal tract, such as surgery to remove all or part of the stomach, often result in a loss of cells that secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Surgical removal of the distal ileum, a section of the intestines, also can result in the inability to absorb Vitamin B12. Anyone who has had either of these surgeries usually requires lifelong Vitamin B12 supplements to prevent a deficiency. These individuals would be under the routine care of a physician, who would periodically evaluate Vitamin B12 status and recommend appropriate treatment.

Researchers have long been interested in the potential connection between Vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia. A recent review examined correlations between cognitive skills, homocysteine levels, and blood levels of folate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6. The authors suggested that Vitamin B12 deficiency may decrease levels of substances needed for the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit nerve signals. Reduced levels of neurotransmitters may result in cognitive impairment. In 142 individuals considered at risk for dementia, researchers found that a daily supplement providing 2 milligrams (mg) folic acid and 1 mg Vitamin B12, taken for 12 weeks, lowered homocysteine levels by 30%. They also demonstrated that cognitive impairment was significantly associated with elevated plasma total homocysteine. However, the decrease in homocysteine levels seen with the use of vitamin supplements did not improve cognition. It is too soon to make any recommendations, but is an intriguing area of research.

Vegetarians

Vegetarians (of various types) avoid the consumption of red meats and meat products. Some who call themselves vegetarians simply avoid red meats. Others follow a more strict regimen and avoid all products that derive from animal sources. For example, dairy products, fish, eggs, and poultry.

Since B12 is derived from these sources, all vegetarians can benefit from supplementation of B12.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease has the highest incidence of death in the United States and in developing countries. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified the risk factors which include elevated LDL cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, and elevated homocysteine levels.

Vitamin B12 (as well as B6 and folate) are involved in regulating homocysteine levels. Clinical studies are underway to determine whether Vitamin B12 supplementation may play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease resulting from elevated homocysteine levels.

Sources of Vitamin B12

When added to a product like Viva! Acai™ you get the rich benefits of Acai and Pomegranate and a powerful source of B12. It is a remarkably health-oriented superfruit juice and an important addition to Viva! Acai ™.

Other sources of Vitamin B12

As a general rule, Vitamin B12 is found in meat (especially in liver and shellfish) and in milk. There are also some fortified breakfast cereals found on store shelves nearly everywhere. However, as you age, these sources become less valuable.

Recommended amounts of Vitamin B12 in supplement form

The National Institutes of Health - OFFICE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Guidelines for medical practitioners

Having a sufficient amount of B12 in your body depends on your age.

Under age fifty (50)

For the average adult under the age of fifty (50), there is no real issue of proper absorption of B12 from food sources. For those fifty-one (51) years and older, there is an issue called malabsorption.

CONCLUSION

The potential consequences of a Vitamin B12 deficiency can be very serious and it weighs heavily in favor of more Vitamin B12 supplementation. Symptoms can include: